Monday, August 8, 2016

Nita Ambani gets elected at Rio and becomes the first Indian woman in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) 4 th August 2016: International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that leading Indian philanthropist and the Founder chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani, has been elected as an individual member of the IOC, and will become India’s first woman to join the prestigious body.Nita Ambani is the only individual member from India and her appointment at the world body is until she attains the age of 70. After being nominated in June 2016 by the IOC Executive Board, Nita Ambani was elected by IOC members in Rio de Janeiro today at the 129th IOC Session. The independent selection process follows a new procedure for the recruitment of IOC members based on the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations; those nominated are done so wholly on merit and then elected by existing IOC members.

As Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani has been steering initiatives in the area of education, sports, health and art and culture.

Nita Ambani is involved in promoting multiple sports in the country with focus on developing talent through a number of large-scale grassroots initiatives.

The grassroots programmes that she has initiated have reached out to over 3 million children in multiple sports.

She is the architect of the Indian Super League which is galvanising Indian football. “I am truly humbled and overwhelmed to be elected by the IOC.

This is a recognition of the growing importance of India in the world stage and a recognition for Indian women.” comments Nita Ambani. “I have always believed in the power of sport to shape our youth. I believe that sports brings together communities, cultures, and generations has the power to unify and unite people.

I look forward to spreading the spirit of Olympics and sports across our nation.

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore on the eve of their National Day (August 9, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, the President of the Republic of Singapore, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of Singapore on the occasion of your National Day.

The bilateral relations between India and Singapore are marked by a long tradition of close cooperation. In recent years, our ties have strengthened and intensified to our mutual benefit. Both our Governments desire the expansion of our relationship in all its aspects.

While we have elevated our relationship to that of a Strategic Partnership last year and enhanced our economic cooperation, vast untapped potential still exists in many sectors – particularly the areas of defence and security, infrastructure development and people-to-people contacts. I am confident that together, our two Governments will be successful in realising our common goals for the advancement of our people and the benefit of our entire region.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Singapore.”

A brilliant bowling performance from the Jamaica Tallawahs saw them dismiss the Amazon Warriors for 93 in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final to secure their second title, the first team to do so. The Amazon Warriors lost their wickets with alarming regularity as they fluffed their lines on the tournament’s biggest night.

The Tallawahs finished behind the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the group stage and lost to them in the first play-off game, but in the final the Tallawahs did not give them a sniff in a fantastic all-round display that saw them win by nine wickets with 43 balls to spare. They did so thanks to a career best bowling performance from Imad Wasim and yet another Chris Gayle half century – his 78th score of fifty or more in T20 cricket.

Chasing 94 to win the Tallawahs did not need to rush, but that did not stop Chris Gayle getting off the mark with a towering six off Steven Jacobs. That was an impressive beginning from Gayle, but he and his team were selective in their shot making at first. Even going at just over a run a ball inside the batting PowerPlay kept them well ahead of the rate.

As the innings progressed Gayle was happier to go for the big shots as he hit back-to-back sixes off Jacobs in the final over of the PowerPlay which brought 17 runs. During the sixth over Gayle became the fourth batsman to pass 400 runs in this edition of the Hero CPL.

That acceleration from Gayle continued after the fielding restrictions were relaxed as he took 18 runs off an Adam Zampa over as the Tallawahs got two thirds of the way to their target with just seven overs gone.

Gayle brought up his fifty after 22 balls as he made a mockery of the target his team had been set. That patient start was quickly forgotten once he was well set as he struck 3 fours and 6 sixes on his way to 54 (27).

This was the perfect performance from Gayle and his team as they became worthy Hero CPL champions, although Gayle was not there when the winning runs were struck having fallen to the bowling of Rayad Emrit as he went for another six.

Instead it was Kumar Sangakkara who hit the winning runs as the Tallawahs ran on to the pitch to celebrate a superb win.

It was a disastrous start from the Amazon Warriors with the bat and things didn’t really improve throughout their innings. First Nic Maddinson was out edging behind to Andre Russell for a golden duck. Then Guyana’s leading run scorer Chris Lynn cut Shakib al Hasan’s first ball into the hands of Jonathan Foo at point.

Those two early wickets and some excellent Tallawahs bowling saw the Amazon Warriors creep to 34-2 off their PowerPlay overs. There was huge pressure on Dwayne Smith with the two Australian overseas players gone, and he knocked the ball around for five overs before the need to accelerate brought a big shot.

Unfortunately for the Amazon Warriors that injection of attacking intent from Smith also brought about his dismissal when he was caught in the deep for 17 (22) to give Oshane Thomas his first wicket in professional cricket. When Jason Mohammad was given out to an lbw that looked to be sneaking down the Amazon Warriors were 53-4.

That became 70-5 when Christopher Barnwell followed up a big Hero Maximum by smashing a ball from Imad Wasim into the hands of Chris Gayle at short midwicket and it didn’t end there as the wickets kept tumbling.

The only man who stood firm was Pakistani all-rounder Sohail Tanvir who made 42 from 37 balls having been promoted to four in the order. But for him things could have been far worse for the Amazon Warriors, but when he went his side were 91-8. That soon became 91-9 the very next ball when Kesrick Williams bowled Steven Jacobs.

The final wicket fell in the very next over when Adam Zampa was run out – the Amazon Warriors were 93 all out after 16.1 overs, their lowest ever total. It was never enough to secure victory as they lost in the final of the Hero CPL for the third time.

AUDIO: Access the latest news and interviews from the CPL’s Official Audioboom Channel HERE.

Repeated Tender Criteria’s have been changed to accommodate unworthy and incapable applications for BRTS door-sliding contract as observed by Criminologist Snehil Dhall.

Mumbai: The situation of changes in Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) door-sliding contract has become major concern with a tender being floated four times to accommodate unworthy and incapableapplications and at fifth occasion the same was dissolved to divide the tender in two parts. Previously the tender timings were extended repeatedly in which at one occasion the tender hardcopies was accepted even after due dates, whereas, at other occasions the eligibility was compromised. The prequalification of the product required by the tender was compromised for suppliers not being the vendors for the same products, i.e. diluting the supplier product range not matching the actual requirement of the tender being floated for. “I was extremely impressed with the Power Point Presentation of Surat Policing Arrangements being educated to me in one of the events in New Delhi but now I have great fear for the safety measures if such random manipulations are carried by other departments of the city. Incapable applicants invites more security lapses and can create major defaults in public safety.” says Criminologist Snehil Dhall.

It is nothing to do with the way Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is formulating the product requirements for the work, but it’s about SMC changing the eligibility for potential candidates. The perfection of the city was maintained due to strict application scrutiny, whereas, the same has been drained down with the number of changes and manipulations done for just one tender. Dhall confirmed that he has received the details from reliable sources and the same can be observed through all the information of tenders made public by SMC. He has filed few RTI’s to get the answers for specific questions to carry his research on Organized Crime in Surat. As per Dhall’s understanding of BRTS Strategic coordination, the system in place can be centrally monitored and during any terror emergency on buses, all station doors can be centrally closed if any bus is under suspicion of ongoing evaluation conducted by Bomb Squad or other security agencies.

Tender Details:

The tender includes supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of automated sliding doors, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Readers and RF Controllers for different Bus Station of BRTS Phase II and RF Switches and RFID tags for buses for bus rapid transit system phase II-E in Surat City. These RFID Readers are working on a frequency that allows the bus and station doors to open together. The products are used since day one of BRTS Project and the current tender is just an expansion of new bus stations. The objectives are to prevent accidents of commuters and increase the quality as per international standards.

Mumbai, August 7, 2016: All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), the apex body of the domestic Gems & Jewellery sector, organizes GJF Fashion Nite on 5thAugust, 2016 at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai to unveil the exclusive and designer jewellery collection by top Brands and promote new business relationships amongst the trade. GJF Fashion Nite is an annual networking event, held along the sidelines of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) each year.

The Rio Olympics fever has gripped the nation and the world. Through its fashion sequence, GJF Fashion Nite cheered and wished good luck to Indian sports stars who are vying for gold at the Games, calling it ‘Gold invites Gold’.

Through this platform, GJF launched the new edition of Gems & Jewellery Times (G&J) magazine and a mobile app for GJF members and trade fraternity.

Joint Secretary Shri Manoj Dwivediji and Bollywood icon Vidya Balan graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively. GJF felicitated Shri Manoj Dwivediji for his immense support and guidance provided to Gems & Jewellery industry for the Excise matter and Smt. Vidya Balanji was also felicitated as the Woman Icon of the Year and also a cheque of Rs. 5 lakh was donated to Swades Foundation.

This edition of GJF Fashion Nite witnessed 1700 members of the fraternity and the programme highlights included fashion shows featuring leading Indian models and celebrities such as Sarah Jane Dias, Natasha Suri showcasing some of India’s finest jewellery creations by renowned jewellery Brands.

Mr. G V Sreedhar, Chairman, GJF, said, “GJF Fashion Nite is a tribute to the millennium old legacy of Indian goldsmiths, who are renowned world over for their mesmerizing handcrafted jewellery. It has united jewellers from across the country as they get together to celebrate their creativity. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji has urged the Gems and Jewellery sector in India has to look beyond the domestic market and GJF Fashion Nite has demonstrated our experience and expertise. It is our great honour that Shri Manoj Dwivediji and Smt. Vidya Balanji has graced this occasion and helped in making this event a great success for the industry.”

GJF has conjured an evening comprising an elegant mix of fashion, style and glamour to showcase the multifaceted creativity of Indian handcrafted jewellery. GJF Fashion Nite 2016 is presented by Swarovski Gemstones, powered by Alma Jewels, World Gold Council as Gold Partner, Forevermark, Indigo Jewellery & Anand Shah as Associate Partners, SGL as Laboratory Partner, Shri Lakshmi Group of Companies, Krizz B2B & Kamakhya Jewels as supporting Partners, www.iftosi.com as Online Partner, Bright Outdoor Media as Outdoor Media Partner & Wardrobe Courtesy by Kashish Infiore, where jewellers and their exquisite creations tool the Centre stage right from the Red Carpet Welcome to hobnobbing with the elite and the famous celebrities of India, followed by Cocktail & Dinner. GJF Fashion Nite 2016 was a night to remember…

Mr. Nitin Kadam, Convener – GJF Fashion Nite, GJF, said, “GJF Fashion Nite is a tribute to the boundless talent and skill possessed by Indian jewellers, artisans and craftsmen. The Union Government has facilitated several schemes for skill development/enhancement and GJF has undertaken several initiatives to showcase abilities and proficiency. We presented GJF Fashion Nite at a time when the top jewellers of the nation are congregating to Mumbai. Soon, we also plan to take this initiative across the nation as well.”

Mr. Sumeet Anand, Co-Convener – GJF Fashion Nite, GJF, added, “Superstar actress Vidya Balan as Guest of Honour and actress-model Sarah Jane Dias with former Miss India Natasha Suri added a touch of flair and panache to GJF Fashion Nite. With the start of Rio Olympics, all jeweller members of GJF have a special message to Indian athletes aspiring for gold medals – ‘Gold Invite Gold’ is the concept that was eloquently showcased through GJF Fashion Nite.”

Indian eves come back to secure a dramatic draw in hockey opener against Japan

~ Rani scored India’s opener in the 31st minute ~

~ Lilima Minz’s equaliser came in the 40th minute ~

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 7 August 2016: India supplied a rip roaring performance the hockey event needed, coming back from two goals down, to draw with Japan 2-2 in their Pool B opener.

In one of the toughest fought matches in the event so far, it was India who made the smarter start, holding possession as Lilima Minz dictated the play in the midfield with Vandana Katariya and Preeti Dubey making the runs ahead. Dubey it was with the first real opportunity of the game; Minz’s drive from the top of the circle came off a Japanese stick towards Dubey with just the goalkeeper to beat. The defensive pressure was just enough though as she shot wide.

Within minutes, there was another, this time Poonam Rani dragging an effort wide. The build up had been about India’s story and their first appearance in the women’s hockey event at the Games since 1980. There was a real threat that they could make it count too. They created enough problems in the Japanese defence to score a few, but finally it was Japan’s patience that paid out.

With 10 seconds of the first quarter to go, Japan won their first PC and a swift improvisation left India’s defence and Savita in goal with no chance. Emi Nishikori shot home to give Japan the lead heading into the break.

The second quarter was tougher, as India down a goal looked to play upfield, Japan content on the counter. Savita was called into action for the first time in the quarter and pulled a sharp save to deny Japan a second. Japan tightened their grip on the game in the 28th minute, Mie Nakashima deflecting a cross from the left to double their lead as they went into half time.

It was a different Indian team that came out of the dressing room though, the nervousness and indecision replaced by adventure at the start of 3rd quarter. Within the first minute, the lead had been halved via a penalty corner. Rani, took the injection and scored off the hit — perfectly placed in the bottom corner — to mark her debut at the Games with a goal.

Japan had a PC of their own soon enough but pushed it wide. It was to prove one of their final successful forays of the quarter, as India pushed on creating opportunities to draw the game level. First they pulled a PC wide, before Japan’s Asano Sakiyo was called into action, pulling off a smart save.

It took till the 39th minute, and another PC before India finally had their equaliser. Deepika’s mishit was parried away by Asano, only for Sushila to inject it towards goal again, this time the ball looping off a Japanese stick to rise in the air. Minz took the half chance, burying it into the net. Japan appealed for dangerous play, and a video referral was called for. It didn’t matter, the goal would stand. A cagey game was blown open.

India kept up the pressure in the final quarter, Rani drawing Asano into another smart save off a PC, before her opposite number in the Indian goal went better, thwarting wave after wave of Japanese attempts — at one point four in a row — to keep India level. The final minutes were a frenzy, Japan pushing to get the winner as India held on, defensively strong, for the point. It would be India who would come closest to winning it though, Vandana denied by Asano’s stick in the dying seconds of the game. Thirty six years from their debut appearance at the Olympics, India were back. And they had their first point now.

Speaking after the match, Chief Coach Neil Hawgood said, “This was our first time on this stage and it was a smart performance. Our first points at the Olympics. It is a milestone for this generation of Indian women hockey.”

India will next play Great Britain on August 9, 2016, Tuesday at 2:30 AM IST. The match will be broadcasted live on Star Sports, Star Sports HD and Doordarshan.

In its new campaign with Saina, Savlon seeks to inspire parents to let go of their fears and encourage children to push their limits and maximize their potential to succeed in life.

Savlon antiseptic has a heritage of more than 50 years in India and enjoys great equity. It is trusted by 90% doctors and offers 8 times better germ protection*. Its unique formulation is recognized by expertsfor its powerful action against a broad spectrum of germs.

He added, “Parents want their children to succeed but also want to protect them from the world. As a brand we seek to inspire parents to encourage their children to challenge limits and maximise their true potential. The brand purpose is to impact society in a positive manner and create a meaningful engagement. And also to showcase the performance of Savlon, which is the best product of its kind in the market.”

Savlon brings alive the narrative of Saina Nehwal. A young girl who relentlessly pursued her dreams fighting against all adversities with the unstinted support of her parents. Her parents’ encouragement lent her belief in her talent to journey the course to becoming World’s no. 1.